Comparison of Implant Stability by Means of Resonance Frequency Analysis for Flapless and Conventionally Inserted Implants

Abstract

The flapless procedure showed favorable conditions with regard to implant stability and crestal bone level. Some changes of the ISQ values that represent primary (mechanical) and secondary (bone remodeling) implant stability were observed in slight favor of the flapless method and male patients. In properly planned and well-selected cases, the minimal invasive transmucosal technique using a drill-guide is a safe procedure.

Flapless versus Conventional Flapped Dental Implant Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

“…In five studies [4], [12]–[14], [17] both patients and operators/outcome assessors were blinded to the tested intervention. Six studies [3], [11], [12], [16], [17], [21] had a follow-up up to 6 months, and six studies [15], [18]–[20], [22], [23] with a follow-up up to 1 year.…”

“…Three split-mouth design studies were performed [13], [14], [16]. Eight studies [1], [10], [13], [18], [21], [25]–[27] made use of surgical guides when inserting implants through the flapless surgical technique, five studies [12], [15], [17], [22], [24] used the surgical guides in both groups, whereas in ten studies [3]–[5], [11], [14], [16], [19], [20], [23], [28] the implants were inserted without any kind of surgical guide.…”

“…Nine studies [1], [11]–[13], [19], [20], [22], [23], [25] did not inform whether there was a statistically significant difference or not between the techniques concerning implant failure, whereas the other six studies [3], [14], [24], [26]–[28] did not find statistically significant difference. There were no implant failures in eight studies [4], [5], [10], [15]–[18], [21].…”

“…From the ten studies [10], [12], [14], [16]–[21], [28] that provided this information, it was observed 3 occurrences of infection in 265 patients receiving implants through the flapless technique (1.1%), and 3 episodes of postoperative infection in 252 patients receiving implants through the open flap surgery (1.2%).…”

“…One drawback found in six studies [3], [11], [12], [16], [17], [21] is the fact that the patients were followed for a short period (1–6 months). Thus, only early failures could be assessed.…”